Melbourne: New Zealand Cricket has severely censured a ground announcer for taunting disgraced paceman Mohammad Amir during the third T20 international against Pakistan in Wellington.
Mark McLeod, who has been a long-time announcer for New Zealand’s home matches against touring sides, had played the sound of a cash register while Amir was bowling during the match at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
Reflecting on McLeod’s actions, David White, the chief executive of NZ Cricket, said that it was inappropriate and disrespectful, insisting that it had the effect of trivialising one of the biggest issues facing cricket at the moment, News.com.au reported.
White further said that he had apologised to the Pakistan team management and assured the tourists that such incidents would not be repeated.
Amir, who was playing his first international series after serving his five-year ban for spot fixing, was also reportedly taunted by New Zealand fans during Monday’s one-day international at the Basin Reserve, with one of them yelling, ‘I’ve got a dollar for you’.
The left hander, along with former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal on February 5, 2011.
Considered as one of the most promising talents, Amir had taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals before his international banishment.
Amir was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, claiming three wickets in Monday’s one-dayer before being bowled for a duck while batting during his side’s chase. (ANI)